Legacy Motor Club Toyota Transition: Amidst a lackluster NASCAR Cup Series campaign in 2023, Legacy Motor Club sets its sights on a resurgence in 2024, marking a significant move by shifting to Toyota.
At the onset of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series, Legacy Motor Club emerged as a potential underdog, hinting at a breakthrough in the playoff scene. Erik Jones, despite missing the playoffs in 2022, showcased promise. His victory in the second career Southern 500, had the postseason been decided solely on points, would have propelled him into the second round. The addition of Noah Gragson, a shining star from the Xfinity Series, replacing the struggling Ty Dillon, fueled optimism for a productive driver change in the paddock.
Co-opting Jimmie Johnson as a team co-owner and rebranding from Petty GMS Motorsports to Legacy Motor Club underscored their commitment to achieving success. However, the anticipated triumph eluded them in the 2023 Cup Series.
Jones led the team with a career-low 27th place in the standings and just seven top 10 finishes. Meanwhile, Gragson’s tenure ended after a suspension due to an unfortunate social media incident, contributing only two top 20 finishes in 21 starts.
In parallel with Stewart-Haas Racing, Legacy Motor Club contended for the title of the most disappointing team in 2023. Yet, the outlook for 2024 seems promising.
John Hunter Nemechek, following three prosperous seasons in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series post his departure from Front Row Motorsports and realignment with Toyota, is set to join Jones in Legacy Motor Club’s 2024 lineup.
The shift to Toyota anticipates a change of fortune for Legacy Motor Club, as they transition from one of eight Chevrolet teams to one of three Toyota teams. While a manufacturer transition doesn’t guarantee success, it certainly bodes well for the team’s prospects.
23XI Racing, as a single-car team, clinched a victory in their debut Cup Series season and sustained their winning streak across three seasons, setting a benchmark for emerging teams. The potential technical alliance between Legacy Motor Club and Joe Gibbs Racing remains undisclosed, but such collaborations have notably propelled 23XI Racing during their initial years in the sport.
Notably, Legacy Motor Club has built a robust foundation as an established Cup Series team, a marked contrast to 23XI Racing’s genesis originating from an online rumor.
Recent years have seen a surge in investments for Legacy Motor Club, including the merger of Richard Petty Motorsports and GMS Racing in 2022, and the addition of Johnson as a co-owner in 2023. The closure of GMS Racings Truck Series team is anticipated to further sharpen their focus on Cup success.
Despite the unmet expectations in the 2023 season, the team gears up for the loftier challenges of 2024, armed with an enhanced arsenal and an intensified determination to deliver on those expectations.
ALSO READ: Ben Beshore Joins Legacy Motor Club: 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Return
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Legacy Motor Club switching to Toyota?
Legacy Motor Club has recently revealed that they will be changing their manufacturer from Chevrolet to Toyota for the upcoming 2024 Nascar Cup Series season. The team has been associated with Chevrolet since their days as Petty GMS Motorsports in 2021. However, the team has now confirmed that they will be switching to Toyota due to their operational expansion, which is set to continue until at least 2024. This move is expected to bring about exciting changes for the team and their fans.
Can you visit Legacy Motor Club?
Come visit Legacy Motor Club and GMS Racing in Statesville! Our lobby is open to visitors and we’d love to have you stop by. For more information and to plan your visit, check us out online. We can’t wait to see you!
Who races for Legacy Motor Club?
The team drivers include Noah Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro, Erik Jones in the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro, and Jimmie Johnson in the No. 84 Chevrolet Camaro. Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, adding to the team’s impressive roster.
